Celtic and Rangers have held exploratory talks over a move to play in the Women’s Super League, as first reported in The Times.
However, it is understood the Scottish Women’s Premier League would not back any plans for the Old Firm to move to England’s top flight.
It is also believed the SWPL and Scottish FA have not received any approach following the initial talks, while the latter would also need to approve any proposals.
The Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL), who took ownership of the WSL and Women’s Championship last year, have declined to comment when approached.
According to The Times, inviting Celtic and Rangers to become part of the English top flight is understood to be one idea being explored by WPLL, who are looking at the possibility of the WSL becoming a closed league, like its American counterpart.
Celtic and Rangers are now the dominant forces in the Scottish women’s domestic game since turning professional five years ago but struggle to achieve the commercial success of WSL teams.
Celtic’s Celya Barclais (C) celebrates scoring to make it 2-2 with team-mate Mathilde Carstens (L) during a Scottish Women’s Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic
Rangers won the title in 2022 and Celtic are the reigning champions, after they secured the trophy thanks to a dramatic late goal in the 90th minute last season, while also becoming the first Scottish team to take part in the Women’s Champions League.
Glasgow City had been the previous heavyweights in Scotland and currently sit at the top of the league table, five points ahead of Rangers in second and nine ahead of Celtic in fifth.
